Day 37 – Weather: 23ºC and gloriously sunny and little hazey

A much needed day off driving. We ‘did’ Instanbul in a day. The British Consulate is really well situated within walking distance of many of the city’s sights. Taking in the Galata Tower and seeing the great panoramic views up and down the Bosphoros we then headed across the river to Sultanahmet, passing the fishermen on the bridge and the floating ‘mackerel bun’ restaurant boats – not something Murray wanted to repeat after our last trip some 5 years ago! By a turn of good fortune we ventured into the Spice Bazaar (Alladin’s purportedly has the best Turkish delight) and on up the hill to peruse the enormous Grand Bazaar – a wonderful manifestation of the culmination of all things found along the Silk Road. What a great way to end this section of our trip – a few little purchases were made! (My girls look away now!!)

The Galata Tower

Interesting monument to the friendship between the Republic of Korean and Turkey

Fishermen setting up for the day

Inspection time

How fab is this vessel?! It’s an aquatic ‘Noo-noo’ (for those who suffered the Telly Tubbies in yeas gone by – it was Zara’s favourite thing!

The mackerel sandwich boats on Eminonu Pier

Fabulous things inside the bazaars

Inside the Grand Bazaar

The Blue Mosque

Observing the dress code

The day culminated in hooking up with the Beatties for a celebratory drink in the British Consulate before they headed off for a fund raising ball. The Ambassador’s wife, has founded and been instrumental in setting up a Turkish branch of the Guide Dogs Association – a wonderful thing.

All thanks to the Beatties for making possible our very comfortable and restorative stay in Istanbul